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The absence of Jasprit Bumrah from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has left Indian cricket fans heartbroken, but a recent update from his wife, Sanjana Ganesan, has sparked hope. The star pacer was ruled out of the tournament on February 11 due to a lower back injury sustained during the fifth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Sydney earlier this year. While Team India begin its campaign without their bowling spearhead, Sanjana’s revelation about his rehabilitation progress offers a silver lining.
The injury that shook Team India
Bumrah’s injury came at the worst possible time. During the Sydney Test (January 3–5, 2025), he bowled tirelessly before his body gave in, forcing him to skip the second innings. Scans later revealed a stress reaction in his lower back, prompting a five-week “off-loading” period of complete rest. Despite being named in India’s provisional squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the BCCI opted for caution, replacing him with Harshit Rana to avoid a repeat of his 2022 injury saga, which sidelined him for nearly a year.
His absence is monumental. In 2024, Bumrah claimed 86 wickets across formats, earning him ICC Cricketer of the Year and Test Cricketer of the Year honours. Mohammed Shami now shoulders the responsibility of leading India’s pace attack, supported by Arshdeep Singh and Rana.
Sanjana Ganesan’s reassuring update
Ahead of India’s Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh on February 20, Sanjana, a sports presenter and Bumrah’s better half, provided a crucial update during an interview with Bangladeshi all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz. When asked about Bumrah’s condition, she stated, “He is okay. He is training at the NCA”.
This marks a significant milestone in his recovery. After weeks of rest, Bumrah has begun light gym work and skill-based rehabilitation under a dedicated NCA team comprising strength coach Rajnikanth Sivagnanam, physio Thulasi Ram Yuvraj, and sports science head Dr. Nitin Patel. The BCCI has maintained secrecy around his progress, but insiders confirm his rehabilitation is being closely monitored.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s sigh of relief
While Indian fans lament Bumrah’s absence, opponents like Bangladesh are breathing easier. Miraz, a key player for Bangladesh, admitted relief during his chat with Sanjana. Miraz’s candid remark underscores Bumrah’s reputation as a match-winner. With 149 ODI wickets since his 2016 debut, his ability to bowl “both ways” makes him a nightmare for batters.
“He is a very different bowler and very dangerous, uff! He is not coming here. We are very happy! He is very dangerous. Everybody respects him. Every better. I got out against him two times. He has improved a lot. He bowls both ways,” Miraz said in the ICC interview.
Here’s the video:
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Jasprit Bumrah’s road to recovery at NCA
Bumrah’s rehabilitation follows a structured “Return to Play” protocol. While he has resumed gym sessions, bowling remains off-limits until the NCA medical team greenlights his fitness. Fast-bowling coach Troy Cooley is expected to oversee his skill training once cleared. The BCCI’s cautious approach stems from past mistakes, notably rushing Bumrah back in 2022, which led to a prolonged hiatus. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar emphasized that the decision to exclude Bumrah was based on uncertainty over his bowling fitness by the tournament’s start.
